GAMES
RANKINGS
VYPE 2022 Volleyball Preview - THE CONTENDERS: Manvel Mavericks
Manvel, led by Susan Kennedy, made program history in 2021 reaching the State Tournament for the first time ever. In the last three seasons, Manvel has reached the Regional Finals twice (2021, 2019) and enters 2022 with a streak of three straight trips to at least the Regional Quarterfinals.
The offensive firepower is back for the Mavericks with kills leaders Devyn Lewis (480) and Lyric Jordan (402) returning for their senior campaigns. Jordan came up big in the middle as well with 64 blocks.
Defensively, Bea Angeles had an impressive sophomore season leading the squad with 579 digs, followed by Lewis’ 447.
Sophomore Kenedy Massie came up huge as the Mavericks’ setter finishing with 1,257 assists, averaging 8.9 assists per set. She also chipped in 273 digs.
Also, watch out for Christian Fairbanks in the middle.
UIL STATE SEMIFINALS PREVIEW: Lovejoy vs. Manvel volleyball
The Lovejoy Leopards are no stranger to the biggest stage in UIL volleyball. In their 12th consecutive appearance in the state semifinals, Lovejoy is looking to advance to the finale on Saturday. Before they can do that, though, they must beat first-time qualifier Manvel. Let's take a look at the teams and what fans can expect in Friday's semifinal pairing.
To read this UIL preview, become a VYPE Insider today!
Lovejoy Leopards (40-6, 13-1)
Last season, Lovejoy completed a perfect season- dropping no games and topping it all off with their eighth state title. This year, the Leopards are looking to add another state title notch to their belts as they head into the state semifinals on a 15-game win-streak. Despite finishing second in their district- just behind a very strong McKinney North team- Lovejoy has shown the strength and stamina they always have had on the court.
With six athletes signed to college program, the depth of talent is incredible for the Leopards. Pepperdine signee Rosemary Archer leads the team in kills with 392 while Baylor signee Averi Carlson leads the team in assists with 879 and aces with 69. Carlson is third in diggs (364) and is quite the presence on the court for the Leopards. With the drive and power to continue their excellence, fans should expect to see Lovejoy finish the tournament strong.
Manvel Mavericks (37-11, 16-0)
Manvel comes into the semifinals with a 22-game win-streak after posting a perfect district record (16-0). Showing incredible defense, the Mavericks have defeated the likes of Needville, Barbers Hill, Clear Creek, Deer Park, College Station, and more en route to the state tournament. Manvel is on a mission this season and is ready to put up a fight in order to get to where they want to be- the state finale.
The biggest threats on Manvel's team are Lyric Jordan, Devyn Lewis, and Mary-Kate Preston. While Jordan has tallied 399 kills and sits in the second-highest spot in kills for the team, Lewis has recorded 474 kills. The two are going to look to continue their scoring dominance on Friday morning against Lovejoy. Preston has posted 342 kills and 163 total blocks (144 of which are solo).
What to Expect:
Head-to-head battle and back-to-back scoring. Fans can expect these teams to play top-notch volleyball as they go score-for-score throughout this match. Manvel is going to come in strong and ready to keep up with the likes of Lovejoy. Lovejoy has all the power, drive, and will to advance to the state finale, but it's not going to come without a fight.